Cachar District Administration enforces strict paddy procurement norms to protect farmers

way2barak, Dec 19:  In a decisive move to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure the smooth and transparent implementation of government procurement operations, the Office of the District Commissioner, Cachar, has issued a comprehensive official notification reiterating that paddy procurement in the district will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Assam Paddy and Rice Procurement (Levy and Licensing) Permanent Order, 1995. The directive comes into force with immediate effect and will remain operative until further orders.

The District Administration has categorically stated that farmers in Cachar must sell their paddy only through the Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs) duly notified by the Government. This measure is aimed at eliminating exploitation by unauthorised intermediaries and ensuring that cultivators receive the full benefit of the Minimum Support Price fixed by the Government of India for the relevant Kharif Marketing Season. Any purchase or sale of paddy below the declared MSP has been declared strictly impermissible, irrespective of whether it involves farmers, traders, commission agents, millers or any other individual or organisation.

The notification further underscores that the sale of paddy to unauthorised traders, agents or organisations not licensed under the provisions of the 1995 Permanent Order is expressly prohibited. Emphasising regulatory control over the movement of agricultural produce, the District Administration has also imposed a restriction on the inter-district transportation of paddy. No person will be allowed to transport or sell paddy outside Cachar District without obtaining valid authorisation or permit from the competent authority, as mandated under the prevailing procurement order.

Reinforcing accountability across the supply chain, all traders, millers, transporters and procurement agencies operating in the district have been directed to strictly adhere to licensing requirements, levy obligations, stock declaration norms and movement regulations laid down in the Assam Paddy and Rice Procurement (Levy and Licensing) Permanent Order, 1995. The administration has made it clear that any deviation from these provisions will be viewed seriously.

The District Commissioner’s office has warned that violations of the notified directions will attract stringent penal action under the Assam Paddy and Rice Procurement (Levy and Licensing) Permanent Order, 1995, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other relevant laws in force. All concerned stakeholders have been instructed to take note of the directives and ensure strict compliance in letter and spirit, as the district administration intensifies its efforts to protect farmers’ livelihoods and maintain an orderly and fair procurement mechanism across Cachar.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.